Over 970,000 units of illegal health products seized in 2024; 7,300 online listings taken down: HSA

SINGAPORE – The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) seized 970,707 units of illegal health products and removed 7,351 illegal product listings in 2024, with 2,868 online sellers also issued warnings.

The figures are lower than

those in 2023

, when 1.12 million units of illegal health products were seized and over 12,000 online listings were removed, but surpass those in 2022.

That year, more than 737,000 units of illegal health products were confiscated and 4,565 illegal online listings were taken down.

In a statement on Feb 3 on its ongoing efforts to curb the sale and supply of illegal health products, HSA said the latest figures were a result of coordinated efforts involving targeted operations, intelligence sharing and joint enforcement with local and overseas agencies.

Almost half of the number of listings taken down in 2024, for example, were a result of HSA’s first large-scale collaboration with local e-commerce and social media platforms in September and October, said the authority.

Online platforms involved in the operation included Amazon Singapore, Carousell, eBay Singapore, Facebook, Lazada, Qoo10, Shopee and TikTok.

In terms of ground operations in 2024, HSA said one of its “most notable” operations took place in May, when it worked with the police to

raid a condominium unit in Geylang

that was being used for the illegal manufacture and supply of codeine cough syrup.

Approximately 165 litres of cough syrup and over 57,000 units of assorted medicines, valued at $130,000, were seized – one of the largest seizures of illegal medicine in Singapore in the past five years.

The cough syrup – which was produced in unsanitary conditions, including in the bathroom and kitchen sink – were intended for illegal distribution in Geylang.

Codeine cough syrup made up the majority (54 per cent) of all illegal products seized in 2024, followed by sexual enhancement medicines (19 per cent), sedatives (18 per cent) and other prescription medicines (9 per cent).

Aside from seizing illegal products, HSA also issued public alerts on 14 illegal health products, including a counterfeit probiotic health supplement. Thirteen of the flagged products were found to contain potent ingredients and banned substances.

The most common adulterants were sibutramine, which has been banned in Singapore since 2010, and potent steroids such as dexamethasone and betamethasone valerate.

Sibutramine was found in five weight-loss products – the same number as in 2023 – while potent steroids were detected in seven products marketed for pain relief, eczema treatment, skin whitening and general well-being.

HSA warned that it will take stern enforcement action against those selling or supplying illegal health products. If convicted, sellers and suppliers of such products face up to three years in jail and a fine of up to $100,000. 

In 2024, 30 people were prosecuted for the sale and supply of illegal health products.

Associate Professor Chan Cheng Leng, group director of HSA’s Health Products Regulation Group, warned that illegal health products often reappear in different packaging to evade detection.

“Consumers need to be aware that illegal health products often masquerade as quick fixes and miracle cures. In reality, they may be ticking time bombs as they can harm your health,” said Prof Chan.

Consumers are advised to follow the Alert acronym: Avoid dubious products, look for reputable sellers, examine claims, report suspicious products, and trust professional medical advice.